Can you send ACT WRITING TEST scores from one ACT with the reg. scores from another??

skiier65 · 06-26-2008, 12:43 PM

I got a 29 on my ACT in april but today I checked and got a 32 on this one.
However, my ACT on the april test was a 10 which is pretty solid in my mind, and I don't think I'll get even remotely that high on this test's essay (I didnt finish it).

Will colleges let me swap essay scores or not? (I know most don't superscore the REGULAR sections, but what about this?)

Thanks a lot, guys

highopes · 06-26-2008, 01:51 PM

Nah, you have to send in scores from one test, unfortunately. I'm in the same situation, in a way - I got a 34 on this ACT but didn't take the writing. Now I've got to retake the ACT just to get my 34 again with an essay. It sucks, but we've got to do it.

worried_mom · 06-26-2008, 02:07 PM

Just wait and see what grade you actually got on this last essay and then you can decide which score or scores to send.

If your essay grade is much worse the second time around, you might want to send the scores from both test dates. Even though most schools do not superscore ACT test sections, they might treat the essay grades differently. And nearly all schools do take the highest composite score, so sending in both sets won't hurt you.

What highhopes is talking about is a completely different situation. She took the ACT without writing the first time and most schools require the writing section (which you can't take separately), so she does need a complete "do over."

highopes · 06-26-2008, 02:36 PM

You're right about my situation, worriedmom, however I think you're wrong in regards to how schools treat the ACT essays. Colleges will look at one set of scores - one complete test with essay and multiple choice. You can't switch them around.

worried_mom · 06-26-2008, 02:52 PM

You're right in that YOU can't "switch them around."

However, if you send in two sets of scores, the admissions office will usually consider only the higher of the two (which is why it doesn't hurt to send two sets of scores). But they will also see the higher essay score on the other test (since it's pretty visible on the reporting form, because not all ACT tests include the writing section) and certainly that extra information can only help to allay any concerns they might have about a very low essay score because very few of the top schools evaluate admissions solely "by the numbers." Most schools look at the total package.